book review: Dare Me by Megan Abbott

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The backstory: Dare Me is Megan Abbott's sixth novel. I've read and reviewed two of her previous novels: Die a Little by and The End of Everything.

The basics: Addy Hanlon, a high school senior, has been best friends with Beth Cassidy for years. Within the hierarchy of high school royalty, Addy is the lieutenant to Beth's queen bee. When a new cheerleading coach arrives at their school, Addy and Beth's world changes, and coach draws Addy into her world.

My thoughts: Megan Abbott is the master of realistic thrillers. On the surface, this novel might not read like a thriller, or what we've come to think of as a thriller. The more I thought about this novel,  however, the more similarities I saw between this novel and The End of Everything, in which an abduction quietly moves at its realistic pace. Dare Me is a thriller because the characters don't realize they're in a thriller, but the reader soon does. This rawness gives Dare Me its edge.

I read Dare Me compulsively in less than a day. I loved inhabiting Addy's mind and discovering her connectedness and disconnectedness to reality. Addy provides a fascinating window into this story, as she narrates what she doesn't always understand. Her observations sometimes illuminated the story and sometimes darkened it. At times, I longed to have another view into these characters, but Addy's perspective kept a certain layer of both creepiness and normalcy.

The verdict: Dare Me is modern day noir. At first, this novel seems innocuous, but as Abbott drew me deeper into the underworld of these teenage girls and their coach, it soon becomes more sinister. On the surface: these girls may be typical teenagers, but what's beneath is truly frightening...and darkly thrilling.

Rating: 4 out of 5
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: July 31, 2012
Source: publisher

Convinced? Treat yourself! Buy Dare Me from an independent bookstore, the Book Depository or Amazon (Kindle version.)

Want more? Visit Megan Abbott's website and follow her on Twitter. Join in the discussion: On Tuesday, August 7, Book Club, hosted by Nicole at Linus's Blanket and Jen at Devourer of Books, we'll discuss Dare Me at Devourer of Books.

As an affiliate, I receive a small commission when you make a purchase through any of the above links. Thank you for helping to support my book habits that bring more content to this blog!

Comments

  1. AudraAugust 3, 2012 at 10:39 AM

    I *just* got this one and it's winking at me from the table! Now I'm even MORE excited -- sounds awesome!

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    Replies
    1. nomadreaderAugust 3, 2012 at 11:20 AM

      It was such a fun, dark read--and it's one you'll tear through in a few hours. Enjoy!

      Delete
  2. JennyAugust 3, 2012 at 6:21 PM

    This does sound good... I still don't really understand what noir is though, LOL!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. nomadreaderAugust 5, 2012 at 12:04 PM

      My working definition may not be official, but after watching enough films and reading enough books described as noir, I think I have an idea!

      Delete
  3. ZibileeAugust 6, 2012 at 12:17 PM

    I read another review of this one and need to add it to my list of books to buy as soon as I can. I have a feeling that this book will deliver a good thrill with a deeply psychological bent, and that is something that I haven't been able to find since Gone Girl. Great review today!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. nomadreaderAugust 9, 2012 at 9:32 AM

      Zibilee, it's certainly a different kind of thriller and psychological tale than Gone Girl, but I enjoyed both of them. I also recommend Abbott's earlier novels!

      Delete
  4. LauraAugust 8, 2012 at 9:35 PM

    Yay, I'm glad you liked this one. I just read The End of Everything and I'm definitely excited about this, which sounds even more like something I would like.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. nomadreaderAugust 9, 2012 at 9:32 AM

      Laura, I enjoyed The End of Everything immensely. I'll look forward to your thoughts on this one too!

      Delete

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